Biology, Chemistry, Earth & Environmental Science

Molloy's Biology program offers three specialized tracks, each thoughtfully designed to align with your unique career aspirations. Every track incorporates a mandatory semester of Field Experience, and you'll also have the option to engage in original research with our esteemed faculty.

This track is your stepping stone to medical, dental, or veterinary school. It provides a strong foundation in the biological sciences, ensuring you're well-prepared for the rigorous academic demands of professional healthcare programs.

Designed with future healthcare professionals in mind, this track is perfect for those looking to become physician assistants, physical therapists, or occupational therapists. The curriculum focuses on the applied sciences and prepares you for the challenges of graduate-level study in these fields.

This track is geared towards those who want a broad-based biology education with an emphasis on field experience. It's an excellent choice if you're aiming for immediate job placement in sectors like environmental conservation, research, or education upon graduation.

This track is tailored for those who are passionate about environmental conservation and sustainability. You'll delve into the intricacies of ecosystems, biodiversity, and the impact of human activity on the environment. This concentration sets you on a course for careers in wildlife conservation, environmental consulting, or sustainability management.

If you're fascinated by the Earth's physical properties, from its inner core to its atmospheric layers, this track is for you. It prepares you for a diverse array of careers in Geoscience, including roles in natural resource management, environmental geology, and climate science.

The Biology, Chemistry, Earth & Environmental Science department offers a minor in Biology that will prepare you for a variety of scientific and healthcare careers. The biology minor is available to any major and requires 18 credits, including 2 semesters of either Anatomy and Physiology or General Biology, Microbiology and 6 additional credits in biology at the 2000-level or above.  Nursing majors, after successfully completing their required biology courses, need only to complete an additional 4 credits in Biology to earn the biology minor. For more information on the minor requirements click here:

Molloy University - Biology Minor

The Biology, Chemistry, Earth & Environmental Science department offers a minor in Chemistry that will prepare you for a variety of scientific and healthcare careers. The chemistry minor is earned upon successful completion of the Pre-Professional Medical Programs and General Biology track of the Biology B.S. degree.  The Chemistry minor is also available to any major and requires 18 credits of chemistry courses, which include semesters of Inorganic Chemistry and 2 semesters of Organic Chemistry. Students minoring in Chemistry may also not minor in Physical Science. For more information on the minor requirements click here:

Molloy University - Chemistry Minor

The Biology, Chemistry, Earth & Environmental Science department offers a minor in Earth Science that will prepare you for a variety of scientific careers. The Earth Science minor is available to any major and requires 15 credits.  Courses include an introduction to environmental issues, earth systems science and astronomy. For more information on minor requirements click here:

Molloy University - Earth Science Minor

The Biology, Chemistry, Earth & Environmental Science department offers a minor in Environmental Studies that will prepare you for a variety of scientific careers. The Environmental studies minor is available to any major and requires 15 credits. Courses include an introduction to environmental issues, earth systems science, ecology, and geography. For more information on minor requirements click here:

The Biology, Chemistry, Earth & Environmental Science department offers a minor in Physical Science that will prepare students for a variety of scientific careers. The Physical Sciences minor is earned upon successful completion of the Pre-Allied Medical Programs track of the biology B.S. degree. The Physical Sciences minor is also available to any major and requires 17 credits which include 2 semesters of Inorganic Chemistry and 2 semesters of General Physics. For more information on minor requirements click here:

Molloy University - Physical Science Minor

This partial tuition scholarship is awarded to incoming freshmen majoring in science. The award amounts vary, making it flexible to meet different financial needs.

If you're interested in sustainable and environmental issues, this partial tuition scholarship could be for you. It's designed to support students aiming for careers in sustainability.

This scholarship offers partial tuition to a full-time freshman, with preference given to Biology majors who have demonstrated financial need and maintain a GPA of at least 3.0.

This $1,500 scholarship is awarded to incoming freshmen majoring in Biology or Earth and Environmental Studies. It's renewable annually and seeks students who embody Molloy's mission and philosophy.

Established in memory of Therese M. Hughes, Class of 1979, this scholarship offers partial tuition to freshmen or transfer students majoring in biology and nursing who are facing financial hardship. It's renewable annually.

Project Restores Scholarship

Project RESTORES is a National Science Foundation-funded program that is open to eligible incoming Earth and Environmental Science majors beginning Fall 2024. This opportunity includes tuition scholarships, paid internships, paid summer research opportunities, access to supplemental academic support, and pathways into graduate programs.

For eligibility and to apply:  https://www.molloy.edu/admissions-aid/first-year-admissions/project-restores-scholarship

National Science Foundation Award # 2325608

This partial tuition scholarship is awarded to continuing students enrolled full-time in Science majors, with a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0. The award amounts vary, and it's a one-time scholarship.

Another partial tuition scholarship is awarded to continuing students enrolled full-time in Biology majors. The award amounts vary, and it's a one-time scholarship.

Field experience internships and off-campus placements are available to strengthen your career options. An internship makes the classroom's abstract theories and learned examples concrete by placing you in a real life work situation performing actual professional tasks. CERCOM supports the B.S. in the biology, chemistry and environmental studies (BCES) department to service all science majors who may be interested in internships. 

CERCOM supports the B.S. in the biology, chemistry and environmental sciences (BCES) department to service all science majors who may be interested in internships.  As an Earth and environmental studies major, you will have the opportunity to excel both inside and outside of the classroom in preparation to enter highly marketable fields of employment and exciting careers in environmental science. CERCOM is the only horseshoe crab breeding laboratory in the United States or one of our eighteen cooperators.

The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) Professional School (EAP) Early Acceptance Program allows qualified students that enroll at Molloy University as BS/Biology Pre Med, Pre Dental or Pre Pharmacy tracks to be given a provisional early acceptance to LECOM's School of Pharmacy, School of Dental Medicine or College of Osteopathic Medicine upon completion of a successful interview. A student may apply for EAP consideration as early as a high school senior and up until the start of the third year of undergraduate school.  Students apply to enroll in the EAP by following the link "Early acceptance program Inquiry" found on the My LECOM Portal.

LECOM will review the application.  If the student meets the requirements, LECOM will offer the student a list of EAP interview dates to self-schedule an interview. Following a successful interview, LECOM will notify the student that they qualify for a provisional letter of acceptance from LECOM and they will be enrolled for participation in the EAP upon approval by the affiliated institution of their choice and submission of their school email address to LECOM. The student and the affiliated school will then be sent the provisional letter of acceptance.

Advantages

• No PCAT or MCAT
• A reserved seat - you bypass almost 95% of the competition for your seat
• Low tuition compared with other medical, dental and pharmacy schools
• A choice of 3 sites for Pharmacy
• Enrollment at the largest medical school in the country
• No additional interview
• You will save a significant amount of money by not applying to multiple schools

Requirements

Additional requirements, including a final application to LECOM, must be met for final acceptance to LECOM, but another interview is not required. The specific criteria for acceptance into the programs will vary from school to school, but the general requirements are listed below:

• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (international students may apply to Pharmacy)
• Must not hold a bachelor's degree or higher
• Must have at least two years remaining as a full time student at the undergraduate institution
• SAT Score (Math and Verbal Reasoning) greater than or equal to 1170 on a single exam taken before 3/1/16, a SAT score of 1240 or higher on a single exam taken after 3/1/16 or an ACT Composite score greater than or equal to 26 on a single exam
• A high school GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale or higher
• Students already attending the affiliate institution must have at least a cumulative overall GPA of 3.4 and a science GPA of 3.2 or higher

Exciting news for Molloy graduates interested in pursuing a doctoral degree in Physical Therapy at Touro University!

In 2023, Molloy and Touro worked together to help facilitate admission into the Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy. Graduates who meet the admission criteria will be guaranteed a virtual interview and are able to select preference for the Central Islip or the Times Square location.

Interested students are welcome to reach out to Mindi Stoski to learn more: mstoski@molloy.edu.

For more information about the Touro University program visit: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program | School of Health Sciences (touro.edu)

The Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) is a grant-funded program sponsored by the New York State Department of Education to support talented underrepresented minority or economically disadvantaged students pursuing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), licensed professions and health-related professions. CSTEP offers key preparation, resources and opportunities critical to student success. In addition, students are also provided with a strong foundation to pursue careers in the areas of science and technology.

The Alpha Sigma Chapter of Chi Beta Phi, an honorary scientific fraternity for undergraduates of four year degree-granting colleges and universities, admits to membership students who have a minimum cumulative index of 3.00 and have completed at least 20 credit hours in the natural sciences and mathematics with an index of 3.00 in these courses. The minimum 20 credits must have been taken at Molloy University. Qualified alumni and science faculty of the College may be elected as regular or honorary members by a majority vote of the active membership of the chapter.

Chairperson of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Science Department, Professor of Biology

Dr. Evans is a Professor of Biology and current Chairperson and Laboratory Director.  She received her Ph.D. from St. John’s university in 2006 in the field of Cellular and Molecular Biology. During her early career teaching at Molloy, she also held a Research Scientist position and directed a lab at Winthrop University Hospital, now known as NYU Langone Hospital in Mineola. Dr. Evans was a driving force behind the development of the research series of courses in the Biology and Environmental Sciences curriculum and she continues to grow and develop the research program for undergraduates in the sciences at Molloy.  Dr. Evans has received funding from the NIH and NSF to support research and training activities and has published in numerous peer-reviewed journals in the areas of bone biology, endocrinology, immunology, and stem cell research.

Maureen M. Sanz, Ph.D. is a professor of biology and director of the Faculty Professional Center at Molloy University.  She graduated from Skidmore College with a B.A. in biology and chemistry and worked as a research assistant in the protein chemistry laboratory of Robert B. Merrifield at the Rockefeller University.   She continued her graduate studies in biology and earned the master’s and doctoral degrees from Fordham University.  Her interest in human chromosomes and cell culture were furthered during her post-doctoral fellowship in Human Genetics with Dr. James L. German III at the New York Blood Center.  She is a fellow of the American College of Medical Genetics in clinical cytogenetics.  She continues her research interest in human genetics and cytogenetics working with students on genomic instability exhibited by cultured cells of persons with Bloom’s syndrome, a rare inherited disorder characterized by short stature and predisposition to development of cancer. 

Professor of Earth & Environmental Science, Executive Director of CERCOM

John T. Tanacredi, Ph.D. is Professor of Earth and Environmental Studies and Director of the Center for Environmental Research and Coastal Oceans Monitoring (CERCOM) facility. He is a former Research Associate at the Wildlife Conservation Society, Aquarium for Wildlife Conservation-Osborn Laboratories of Marine Science, visiting scientist at The American Museum of Natural History in the Department of Invertebrate Zoology; Research Associate at the Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University, Earth Institute; and presently he chairs the Conservation Committee of the Explorers Club. From 1978 to 2001 he was a Research Ecologist for the National Park Service, Gateway National Recreation Area serving as Chief of the Division of Natural Resources and as one of the NPS’s Coastal Natural Recourse Specialist in Ecotoxicology, duty stationed at the Graduate School of Oceanography at University of Rhode Island, Narragansett, RI. From 1974-1978 he was an Environmental Analyst of the U.S. Coast Guard, Bridge Administration preparing NEPA environmental impact statements for bridge and highway construction in six eastern US states. From 1968 to 1970 he was a U.S. Navy Flight Meteorologist “Hurricane Hunter”, Naval Air Base, JAX, in Jacksonville Florida. Dr. Tanacredi received his doctorate in Environmental Health Engineering, from The Polytechnic University/NYU Polytechnic (1988), an M.S. degree in Environmental Health Sciences from Hunter College, Institute of Health Sciences, CUNY (1974) and BS in Biological Sciences from Richmond College, CUNY (1972).

Selected Works - Dr. John T. Tanacredi

I am an Associate Professor in the Biology/Chemistry/Environmental Science Department here at Molloy University. My current research interests include Viral and Cancer Genomics, and more specifically, aims at understanding the genetics in our immune responses to fight viruses and cancer cells. I played an active role in the Nassau County COVID19 immunology testing response and continue to advocate for long COVID patients. Learn more at our Cancer Alliance website.

My collaborator, Dr. Robert Bard, MD/NYC and I work with patients across the globe on treatment and diagnosis of cancer, imaging, and long COVID. Check out our alliance and patient advocacy site

Assistant Professor Chemistry and Biology

My scientific focus has been highly interdisciplinary, spanning chemistry, pharmacology, neurobiology, endocrinology, drug discovery, and clinical translational studies, among others. I obtained my BA in chemistry from Vassar College and my PhD from Emory University, followed by several years investigating biochemical aspects of substance use disorders in the Laboratory of the Biology of Addictive Diseases, of Rockefeller University. I am continuing my investigative efforts exploring systemic mechanisms related to the endogenous opioid system, whilst also being committed to helping educate the next generation of healthcare professionals and scientists in the fields of chemistry and biology. 

Associate Professor Biology/Chemistry

Dr. Saihan Borghjid grew up in Inner Mongolia, China and emigrated to the US in 1990, where she attended graduate school at Hunter College in New York before transferring to SUNY Downstate, from which she graduated in 1999 with a PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology.  Her research work has largely focused on the developmental expression of homeobox genes that control the expression of a number of other genes which, working together, underlie the growth of a larger structure, such as the peripheral nervous system.  She was a post-doctoral research fellow at Weill Cornell Medical College before joining the Molloy University Faculty in 2005.  She teaches Biology and Biochemistry courses at Molloy and her most recent research, in collaboration with SUNY Downstate Medical Center, investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying diet induced diabetes and obesity.

Associate Professor of Biology

My graduate degree is in genetics, where I researched pediatric neuropsychiatric disorders. As an undergraduate, I worked in an immunology lab. I am interested in immunology, genetics, genomics, cognitive disorders, microglial cells, neuronal cells, CNV’s SNPs, bioinformatics, personalized/precision medicine, cortisol, herbal medicine/cruciferous vegetables and its effect on inflammation, fibrosis of the lung, oral allergy syndrome, the genes PPP4C, PTGS2, and PTGS1.  

Why I like teaching at Molloy University. Unlike other large universities where graduate assistants teach students, Molloy University values small class sizes taught by nationally recognized professors. I love the hands-on approach to teaching that Molloy University offers. Molloy University students are truly special, and a joy to teach as they are hardworking, diligent, and focused on their studies. Most of the students in the Biology Chemistry and Environmental studies department go on to professional school, and the most gratifying part of teaching here is when I get emails from my former students letting me know they have gotten into Medical School, or that they have graduated and are now a physician assistant, dentist, occupational therapist, or other health care professional. I believe each student has their own set of strengths, unique goals, and characteristics. Through Molloy University’s small class size, faculty really get to know their students. I try to adapt the way I teach based on how a student learns best.  

Anthony Sementilli, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry in BCES. Before joining Molloy University, he was a principal radiopharmaceutical production chemist at Stony Brook University Hospital—where he synthesized imaging agents for clinical research. Currently, his main research interests are in developing peptide-inspired materials and pharmaceutical countermeasures to internalized radioactive pollutants. He is also interested in experimenting with active, tactile learning modules in the classroom. 

Dr. Sementilli holds a Ph.D. in Biomolecular Chemistry from Emory University, and a B.S. from Saint Joseph’s University. 

Christopher Massone, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Chemistry. He earned his B.S. Chemistry from Fordham University, Bronx. NY in 1998 and is a graduate of CUNY Graduate Center, New York, NY where he received his Ph.D. Organic Chemistry, 2003. His Doctoral Dissertation: New Polyphosphorus Organic Compounds

Assistant Professor of Biology

Dr. Li Li received her Ph.D. in Molecular and Cell Biology from St. John’s University where she used baker’s yeast as a model organism to delineate the properties of fungal adhesive proteins. During her postdoctoral research at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Dr. Li broadened her research specialties into signaling transduction in the mouse model of human disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease and vascular inflammation.  Currently, as an Associate Professor in Biology at Molloy University, Dr. Li has been teaching a variety of biological science courses, including the research series where she uses yeast models to explore the molecular mechanisms of protein aggregation which is the basis for fungal infections.

Dr. Michael A. Marino is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry with the Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Science Department at Molloy University. Dr. Marino is the co-author of “Measurements in Evaluating Science Education,” which is a comprehensive, intuitive guide to many of the key instruments created to assess students in science education. He has also published several research papers and obtained both national and international patents on using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy to rapidly identify and quantify unknown samples of synthetic cannabinoids. Dr. Marino’s most current research looks at the effect of smell on memory and discovering predictor variables on virtual and hands-on laboratory experiments with students at the undergraduate level.

Publications:

https://molloy.elsevierpure.com/en/persons/michael-a-marino

http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Michael_Marino7

Dr. Elizabeth Suter is an Assistant Professor of Environmental Science in the BCES department. She holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Marine and Atmospheric Science from Stony Brook University and a B.A. in Environmental Studies from the Macaulay Honors College at Hunter College. Dr Suter. specializes in the microbial ecology of aquatic systems, and her research focuses on the roles that microbes play in open ocean deoxygenation, biogeochemical cycling, and coastal resilience. Most recently, her work focuses on applying novel sequencing techniques to assess both microbiome and ecosystem diversity using environmental DNA (eDNA), and the impacts of oyster restoration on ecosystem resiliency. Dr. Suter teaches and has built many of the courses in the Earth and Environmental Science major and is a strong advocate for data science, both as a skill to teach to students and as a tool for developing nature-based solutions for climate adaptation.

Professor of Biology